PM: Disciplined army plays helpful role in establishing democracy

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met with top officials of Bangladesh Army at the Army Headquarters after inaugurating the Army Headquarters Selection Board 2018 at Dhaka Cantonment on Sunday; July 22, 2018 Focus Bangla

She asked the generals to select patriotic eligible leadership who are imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War through neutral analysis and keeping themselves above everything.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said a disciplined and strong army always plays a very helpful role in establishing and maintaining democracy in any country, reports UNB.

"To establish democracy in a country and integrate it, a disciplined and strong army plays a very supportive role," she said while inaugurating the Army Headquarters Selection Board 2018 at Dhaka Cantonment.

She asked the generals to select patriotic and able leadership who are imbued with the spirit of the Liberation War through neutral analysis and keeping themselves above everything.

"The leadership should be handed over to such eligible officers who are well-educated, active, cautious, intelligent and above all have strong credence to strengthen democracy. The army leadership should be placed in the hands of those who are patriot and believe in the Liberation War," she said.

"Staying above everything and through your analysis..., you'll have to find qualified leadership having patriotism and belief in the great Liberation War," Hasina said.

The premier said the army has to contribute a lot towards building a modern, developed and prosperous Bangladesh apart from continuing democratic and constitutional flow.

"For that, the leadership has to be placed to the eligible, skilled, capable and patriotic officers," she said.

The prime minister also gave six-point directive to the generals for following the process to select new officers for their promotion.

She said Bangladesh does not want any war, but its armed forces, including the army, must have the capability to face any situation.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has taken Armed Forces Goal 2030 to modernize and develop the army.

She briefly described various development programs, including purchasing modern equipment, for the development of the army to increase its operational capacity.

Hasina said the government has undertaken various steps for the development, expansion, and welfare of the army to increase the confidence of its personnel.

Besides, steps have been taken for the welfare of the members of the army and their families.

She expressed satisfaction over the introduction of modern TRACE (Tabulated Record and Comparative Evaluation) method for the promotion to army officials.

Highly praising the army's role for the welfare of people, the prime minister said members of this force earned universal trust and acceptance through their integrity, efficiency and people-oriented noble works.

Besides, they set unique examples through extending helping hands and supports towards the people affected by various natural and other disasters, she said.

Hasina said the army also brightened the image of the country before the world community through their works in helping the forcibly displaced Rohingya people of Myanmar.

The prime minister also mentioned the role of the army in preparing Machine Readable Passport, implementing various big infrastructure projects in different parts of the country.

In the global arena, Hasina said, Bangladesh army members earned international reputation through their glorious role in different UN peacekeeping Missions.